The Scoop on Apple's new iPhone Twins

The rumor mill has been churning overtime the last few weeks in anticipation of the new iPhone. Or make that iPhones... As predicted, Apple has just announced two new models- the iPhone 5c, targeted as a budget option, and the iPhone 5s, the company's flagship option. Both are about the same size and will feature LTE wireless, but the iPhone 5c has a plastic shell, whereas the 5s has an aluminum frame. Both go on sale September 20th, with preorders starting on the 13th.

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Here's the rundown on the two of them...

The less expensive iPhone 5c is aimed at those who've always wanted the iPhone, but not the high price tag. It's dubbed the iPhone 5c - C for color, since it will be available in green, blue, yellow, pink and white, starting at $99 with contract, $550 without. Aside from the plastic shell and lower price tag, it's very similar to the current iPhone 5 and will feature the same processor (A6) and 4" display. And though the case is made of plastic, Apple claims it will still be highly durable with a reinforced steel, multi-band antenna, and hard-coated polycarbonate.

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The premium aluminum iPhone 5s likely garners its name from the emphasis Apple is placing on its speedier A7 processor. Beyond the faster processor, the most notable feature upgrade is Touch ID, which has fingerprint scanning capabilities. Residing on the home button, it will serve as a password replacement and allow you to unlock your phone quickly. The 5s will also feature new continuous-motion detecting capabilities with a dedicated processor for the accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass, which will enhance health and fitness apps. In addition it will offer improved camera capabilities, such as the ability to capture more light, improved white balance, burst mode, slow motion video recording, and better image stabilization. It will be available in silver, gold or "space gray", starting at $199 for the 16GB version with contract, or $650 without.

Also announced was the new iOS 7, which will come native on the two new phones. Anyone with an iPhone 4 or higher will be able to download it for free starting September 18th. Why would you want it? It has a "control center" which will be the command center for all your computing needs, as well as improve the performance of multitasking and native apps.

The smartphone market is increasingly more competitive, and Apple really hopes to differentiate itself with the new 5s. But will it? My hunch: They're going to sell well (they are iPhones after all), but not be the hero products the company's looking for. Am I blown away? Not so much. While the new phones have some meaningful improvements, battery life is only minimally improved (I accept not an easy task with these upgrades) and limited Siri enhancements. And I'm a big fan of the black iPhone, which is no longer an option. I am keeping an eye and ear out for the rumored iWatch and TV sets though!